The Lagos State Government has urged public healthcare doctors to halt a planned three-day strike over disputed salary deductions, pledging to address their grievances swiftly. Physicians employed by the state’s health sector, organized under the Medical Guild, announced the industrial action set to begin Monday, July 28, 2025, citing grievances over pay cuts they labeled “unlawful and disrespectful.” The strike—which risks disrupting healthcare access for millions—is scheduled to last until Thursday, July 31, unless a resolution is reached.
In a Sunday statement, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, spokesperson for the Lagos Ministry of Health, acknowledged concerns raised during the Medical Guild’s recent press briefing and emphasized the government’s efforts to prevent service interruptions. Negotiations between both parties are reportedly underway, with officials calling the dispute an unprecedented challenge for the state’s healthcare system in recent years. “All grievances are being addressed with urgency. We remain committed to our healthcare workers’ welfare,” the statement read.
The doctors’ primary contention centers on unexplained deductions from their salaries, a claim the government has not explicitly denied. Lagos authorities revealed that a joint Conciliation Committee—comprising representatives from the government and the doctors’ union—is reviewing documentation submitted by the guild. This process, officials noted, aligns with existing fiscal policies but has yet to yield a compromise.
With over 20 million residents reliant on public health services, the state stressed the need to prioritize dialogue over disruption. “Healthcare professionals are vital to our population’s well-being. We urge continued negotiations to avoid harming those who depend on these services,” the government added, underscoring concerns about potential strain on hospitals during the strike period.
While the Medical Guild has not publicly responded to the latest appeal, the looming work stoppage highlights broader tensions in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, where disputes over pay and working conditions have periodically led to strikes in recent years. Lagos, Africa’s most populous city, faces heightened stakes due to its dense urban population and limited healthcare infrastructure.
No further details were provided about specific plans to resolve the salary disputes, though the government reiterated its intent to reach a “peaceful and just” outcome. The situation remains fluid, with patients and medical staff alike awaiting updates as the strike deadline approaches.
